Data Sheet
A-Lices Lotion
Malathion Lotion 0.5% (w/v)
Presentation
Liquid 0.5% - a white, perfumed lotion containing 0.5% (w/w) malathion. Inactive ingredients include chlorocresol 0.1% as a preservative.
Uses
Actions
Malathion is an insecticide not used systemically in human medicine and the pharmacological data are very limited. Malathion is a cholinesterase inhibitor. However, its effect on human red cell and plasma cholinesterases is very slight.
Pharmacokinetics
Percutaneous absorption of malathion is very limited. In a study in human volunteers, approximately 4% of the dose applied to the skin was absorbed and this proportion did not change with repeated daily application to the same site for 8 days. The proportion of the dose recovered in urine was between 1.8% and 3.3%.
Malathion is hydrolysed and detoxified by plasma carboxylesterases much more rapidly in man than in insects, giving rise to selective toxicity and a low potential for toxicity in man.
Indications
Eradication of head lice, pubic lice and their eggs. Treatment of scabies.
Dosage and Administration
Note: If one member of a family requires treatment with A-LICES LOTION, it is necessary to treat the whole family.
Adults, Children 6 months of age and above, The Elderly
1: Treatment of Head Lice
Apply to dry hair. Rub the liquid gently into the scalp until all hair and scalp is thoroughly moistened. Pay particular attention to the partings, back of the neck, fringes and around the ears. Leave the hair to dry naturally in a warm but well ventilated room. After 12 hours, or the next day if preferred, shampoo the hair in the normal way. Rinse the hair and comb whilst wet to remove dead lice and eggs (nits).
Do not use conditioner or dry with a hair dryer either after application of the lotion or after washing the lotion off. Reapply 5-10 days after the first application.
2: Treatment of Pubic Lice
Apply A-LICES LOTION to the entire skin surface. Pay particular attention to the hair of the public area and the adjacent body parts. Leave on for at least one hour before washing but preferably A-LICES LOTION should be left on overnight (8-12 hours). Wash off or bathe in the usual manner.
3: Treatment of Scabies
Apply A-LICES LOTION to entire skin surface. Application to the genital area and the skin just under the fingernails is especially important. In adults it may not be necessary to apply above the neck but children under the age of two years should have a thin film of A-LICES LOTION applied to the scalp, face and ears, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Do not wash or bathe for 24 hours. Reapply the lotion to any area of skin which is washed during the 24 hours following application. If hands or any other parts must be washed during this period, the treatment must be re-applied to those areas immediately. The infection is cleared by the treatment. However, the itching and rash may persist for up to seven days. An anti-irritant cream can be applied if necessary. Clothing and beding may be washed or dry cleaned in the normal way. Reapply to the entire body from the neck down 7-10 days later.
Contraindications
Known sensitivity to malathion.
Not to be used on infants less than 6 months old, except on medical advice.
Warnings and Precautions
Avoid contact with the eyes.
It is advisable that nursing staff in regular contact with this product should wear protective gloves when carrying out treatment.
A-LICES LOTION is for external use only and should be kept out of reach of children.
Continued prolonged treatment with A-LICES LOTION should be avoided.
Do not use for more than three consecutive weeks.
This treatment may affect permed, coloured or bleached hair.
Pregnancy and Lactation
No known adverse effects from normal use. However, as with all medicines, A-LICES LOTION should be used with caution.
Presumed to be safe or unlikely to produce an effect on the ability to drive or use machinery
Adverse Effects
Very rarely, skin irritation has been reported.
Interactions
There are no relevant interactions.
Overdosage
ACCIDENTIAL INGESTION
It is most unlikely that a toxic dose of malathion will be ingested. Treatment consists of gastric lavage, assisted respiration and, if necessary in the event of massive ingestion, administration of atropine.
Pharmaceutical Precautions
Store below 30°C.
Medicine Classification
Pharmacy Medicine
Further Information
Nil.
Name and Address
AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited
Box 33-203,
Takapuna,
Auckland
Telephone: (09) 488 0232
Fax: (09) 488 0234
Email: Customer.services@aftpharm.co.nz
Date of Preparation
October 2009